2007 * PG * 1h 37m Like most kids, I was super into magic. And I was particularly fascinated by Harry Houdini, and read a bunch of books about him. So when this film came to my attention, I was all in! It features an excellent lineup of stars including Guy Pearce, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Timothy Spall and Saoirsse Ronan. The story takes place in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1926.
While touring Great Britain, Houdini (Pearce) makes a stop in Edinburgh. There he meets and falls in love with a beautiful Scottish woman Mary (Zeta Jones). Mary and her young daughter Benji (Ronan) have a psychic act. However, when the local theatre closes, they're out of work. Houdini has offered a huge reward to anyone who can tell him the dying words of his beloved mother. At first, Mary and her daughter are out to fleece him. However, things don't go according to plans when the two fall for each other.
The movie keeps you guessing. Are they really in love? Are the playing games with each other? It's this intrigue that propels the movie forward and makes it a fun ride. I enjoyed seeing Ms. Ronan in an early role. And Timothy Spall was excellent as always playing Houdini's cynical and cautious manager.
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming for free with your library card on Kanopy and Hoopla. Also on Tubi (for free) and on Pluto TV and Prime Video.
2014 * R * 1h 32m Warning: If you're looking for an action-packed thriller, look elsewhere. However, if you're looking for a gently-paced, thoughtful drama that's full of surprises and riveting performances, put this film in your queue. It's based on a Tony Award winning play by Stephan Belber and stars Sir Patrick Stewart, Carla Gugino, and Matthew Lillard. The film takes place ialmost entirelyn a Greek diner and in a NYC apartment.
A young woman Lisa (Gugino) is working on her dissertation on the history of dance in 1960s New York City. She's accompanied by her husband Mike (Lillard), who happens to be a tough cop. They meet with Tobi( Stewart) a dance instructor at Julliard, at a Greek diner in New York. After interviewing Tobi for a short while, he invites the couple to his apartment. There things get interesting. Tobi just loves talking about his colorful past in the world of dance. He makes no bones about being gay, but he's had numerous flings with several women during the wild "free love" 60s.
You get the sense that the couple has some ulterior motive in meeting with Tobi, and the story takes a number of surprising twists and turns. And the ending completely caught me off guard. I have nothing but respect for Sir Patrick for taking on such a challenging and different role like this. I already knew he was an amazing talent, but it's refreshing to see someone of his caliber make a powerful indie film like this one. I was glued to y screen for the entire hour and a half. I'll wager you will be as well.
4 1/2 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming for free with your library card on Kanopy.com. Also on Plex TV and Prime Video.
2019 * NR * 1h 31m This biopic about the British painter LS Lowry is an amazing showcase for two of the finest actors working today--Dame Vanessa Redgrave and Timothy Spall. Ms. Redgrave needs no introduction, but you might not be as familiar with Mr. Spall. He's played in dozens of comedic roles in his younger years, but seems to be a cranky, sourpuss these days. He's recently appeared in Spencer, The Last Bus and Mr. Turner. As soon as you see his face you'll say, "I've seen him in a million things!"
Mrs. Lowry & Son could have been a stage play, since it's basically two people interacting in one room of a house. LS lives with his mother, who's virtually bedridden. He's a hen-pecked gentleman who's passionate about his paintings, They depict scenes of the local industrial town, and show workers leaving the mill. LS spend his days collecting rent, the early evening tending to his domineering mother, and his nights painting. Redgrave's character is mean, controlling, and domineering, constantly putting down her son and his paintings. It's painful to watch her drain the spirit out of him.
If you're looking for an action film, give this one a pass. However, if you're in the mood for a masterclass in acting, Mrs. Lowry & Son will reward you in spades. I had never heard of the painter LS Lowry, but when I looked him up, I was delighted to see the rich body of work he left. He's a revered painter who's widely respected and his work is in museums all around toe world.
4 1/2 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming for free with your library card on Hoopla.com and Kanopy.com and Tubi. Also on Plex, Pluto TV and Prime Video.
2005 * R * 1h 42m I really like Nicolas Cage. Usually. I say that because he can be hit or miss. The guy puts out a ton of movies and it seems like half of them are great, and half are scratch-you-head bad. He must really need the money is about the only reason I can come up with to explain his inconsistent films. So it's a total crapshoot picking one to watch. In the case of The Weather Man, I lucked out. It's an excellent little film I'd never heard of.
David Spritz (Cage) is a popular Chicago Weatherman. While his career trajectory is rising, his personal life is a mess. He's separated from his wifeNoreen (Hope Davis) and his two kids Mike (David Hoult) and Shelly (Gemmenne de la Pena) are struggling. Mike is being preyed upon by his school counselor, which is difficult to watch. And 12-year old Shelly suffers from malaise. She's simply not interested in anything. There's a humorous scene where David tries to get her interested in archery. Her lack of enthusiasm is pretty comical.
While all this is going on, David is dealing with his father, a famous author played by Michael Caine, who has been diagnosed with cancer. And as if that wasn't enough to cope with, he's being courted by the producers of "Hello America", a thinly veiled reference to the show."Good Morning America".
The film has plenty of funny parts along with some serious and tender moments as well. I was pleasantly surprised by it and thought it was a touching, well-written and acted film.
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming for free with your library card on Kanopy.com and Hoopla.com. Also on Paramount+ and Prime Video.
2009 * Not Rated * 1h 24m A powerful, slow-moving film that will stay with you long after you see it. In the wake of the devastating London bombings in the summer of 2005, a mother travels from her home in Guernsey to London to find out what happened to her daughter. There she meets an older gentleman from France, who's searching for his son. The film stars Brenda Blethyn, who you've seen in a ton of movies, and Sotigui Kouyate. Both actors turn in brilliant performances. They play Elisabeth and Ousmane.
As the film progresses, we discover that their children not only knew each other, but actually lived together. Then more about their lives is revealed. The daughter was learning Arabic, and was studying to become a Muslim. This immediately raises thoughts of possible involvement into terrorism, a theory shared by the police investigating their whereabouts. At first the two parents strike up a friendship, but this is obviously strained when Elisabeth finds out more about her daughter.
I found the film to be thought-provoking and sad. It made me think back on 9/11 and what this country went through in its aftermath. The two actors are on screen for a good deal of the film, and their acting is absolutely riveting. Obviously London River is not a happy film, but if you're like me, you'll find it quite rewarding.
4 out of 5 stars
Streaming for free with your library card on Kanopy.com and on Prime Video.
1995 * PG * 1h 33m How did I miss this absolute gem of a film. It was released 27 years ago and is the directorial debut for Diane Keaton. It was probably considered an indie, so Hollywood didn't give it the promotion it deserved. Anyway, what a marvelous film. It has a little bit of a Woody Allen feel to it--which you'd sort of expect. But it's not as crazy. And it has some great actors in it as well. Go figure?!?!
The story is about the Lidz family headed by Selma and Sid (Andie MacDowell and John Turturro). Sid is an inventor and he's constantly showcasing his nutty inventions to his family. Their life is a happy one until Selma gets sick. I'm not sure if they ever state what she's suffering from, but it's a respiratory disease and the outlook isn't great. Their young son Steven (Nathan Watt) has a hard time dealing with it and runs away to live with his two eccentric uncles Danny and Arthur (Michael Richards and Maury Chakin). Michael Richards played Kramer on Seinfeld and I've never seen him in a serious (yet slightly nutty) role before. He does an outstanding job here.
Selma and Sid reluctantly decide to let Steven live with his uncles for the time being, and this is where the fun begins. The two are hoarders and their apartment is filled to the rafters with piles of newspapers, and room after room of "valuable" objects they've spent their lives collecting. Some of their adventures are absolutely laugh-out-loud funny!
This is one of those films you wish never ended, it's such a joy to watch. It's about love, life, family, religion, and accepting yourself. You can take it on all sorts of levels and I think it's a film the whole family will get a kick out of watching.
4 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming for free with your library card on Hoopla.com and Prime Video.
2022 * R * 1h 48m If you're looking for something a bit different, you may enjoy this interesting and unique film. You know you're in for something different right from the start. The film opens in a huge studio. You see a large cottage on the set. The camera pans over to a dimly lit room and moves in on a woman lit by candles. Then you're transported back to Ireland in 1862 during the Great Potato Famine, where you remain until the very end of the movie.
A young girl Anna (Kila Lord Cassidy) has become famous for surviving without eating for several months. She's attracted visitors from far and wide, believing it's a miracle that she's nourished by manna from heaven. A nurse Lib Wright (Florence Pugh) is sent from England along with a Catholic nun Sister Michael (Josie Walker) to observe her and confirm or disprove this mystery. They're assigned to eight-hour shifts to keep a watch on Anna. A journalist Will Byrne (Tom Burke) is also dispatched to cover the story.
As the story progresses, Lib begins to suspect Anna is surreptitiously being fed and forbids her immediate family from visiting her. This causes her health to fail as she gradually begins to starve to death. While this is going on, Lib and Will begin a relationship with each other, both romantically and professionally.
The film is beautifully shot, and there are numerous scenes that look like something right out of a painting. One of the only qualms I have about the film is the soundtrack, if you want to call it that. For the most part, it utilizes bits and pieces of electronica, which don't seem to fit the story at all. There's also a liberal use of strange noises, which do add a bit of mystery to the film. But I probably would have opted for either no music at all or something completely different
The film also features performances by Toby Jones, Cieran Hinds, and David Wilmot.
2011 * R * 2h 26m I don't know how I missed this when it was released, but I'm glad, (if that's the correct term to use for such a grim film), I finally saw it. The story takes place during the second Sino-Japanese war in 1937, in what became know as the "Rape of Nanking". It was a brutal offensive by the Japanese as part of a series of land grabs in China. We see soldiers gunning down anyone they came across and follow a dozen young schoolgirls as they flee for their lives. They hide in the rubble, and eventually make their way to the Catholic Cathedral, where they seek shelter.
There they encounter a drunken, rowdy American mortician John (Christian Bale). He lets the girls into the walled compound and eventually, pretending to be the priest, protects them. He reaches a truce with the Japanese commander. However, he eventually has to secretly harbor a group of prostitutes, who are also fleeing for their lives. Their tentative leader is Yu Mo (Ni Ni), who John refers to as simply "Mo". The two develop a special relationship, and the chemistry between the two is quite charming.
The Flowers of War is from director Yimou Zhang, best know for Raise the Red Lantern and House of Flying Daggers, and is based on true events. The film utilizes an abundance of grey and subtle earth tones which gives it an ominous and dated feeling. The cinematography made it a truly harrowing experience. One can sense the fear the children were experiencing. The only negative comment I have is I felt Bale's character seemed a bit 21st Century in his mannerisms at times. His way of speaking seemed a little too hip for the film. Other than that, I found the movie to be quite moving.
Four out of five stars.
Currently streaming for free on Hoopla (with your library card), Tubi, and Freevee. Also on Plex, Pluto TV and Amazon.
2019 * NR * 1h 37m I've always enjoyed Richard Dreyfuss, for the wide range of characters he's played. And even though he's getting on in years, he still shines in everything he's in. That's especially true with this film. Dreyfuss plays Angus Steward, a lonely widower who moves in with his daughter and her family. They quickly realize they can't really take care of him and put him into assisted living.
Angus has dreamed of going into space since he was a kid. (Who hasn't?) Then one day, a Jeff Bezos -type billionaire played by Colm Feore, announces that he's having a national lottery to pick three individuals to travel into space, aboard one of his rockets. Against all odds, Angus enters his name and guess what? Nah, I'm not going to be a spoiler. You'll just have to see this movie for yourself and find out what happens.
I really enjoyed this charming little film. It was nicely paced, well written, and featured fine performances from everyone involved. A perfect little indie gem. With an actor of Dreyfuss's stature, I really don't know why it didn't get more attention.
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming for free with your library card on Hoopla.com. Also on Showtime, Hulu, and Prime Video.
2021 * NR * 1h 41m Wow! I just finished watching The Justice of Bunny King and I have to admit, I'm emotionally drained. What a powerful piece of filmmaking. The acting by Essie Davis is absolutely superb. And the story kept me hooked right until the end. It's all about the desperate situation a mother )Bunny) gets into when her children are taken from her. She's basically living on the streets, earning money by washing windshields at busy intersections.
And the state seems to have almost no compassion for her situation. In fact, when a friend invites her to stay with his family, who happen to be Maori, you notice immediately that they have far more compassion than the government does. They warmly welcome her as part of their family.
Bunny desperately tries to be reunited with her two children. However, it's a struggle that seems to be insurmountable. What a moving and emotional story. Thomasin MkKenzie (Leave no Trace, Jojo Rabbit) is also great as Bunny's niece. If you're looking for something different to watch, I highly recommend watching this remarkable film.
4 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming on Kanopy.com for free with your library card. Also on Prime Video.
2018 * PG-13 * 1h 38m I'd have to say, this is one of the finest survival movies I've ever seen. I think it surpasses films like All is Lost, Adrift, The Grey, and the more sci-fi types like The Martian, Interstellar, and The Road. And that some pretty heady competition.
The film centers around the pilot of a small airplane who crashes into the nether regions of Iceland in the heart of winter. He survives by fishing, and sheer determination. When he spots a helicopter flying overhead, he's overcome with emotion and signals for help. When the chopper crashes, his hope is dashed. He discovers a female surviver, although she's unconscious and barely alive. After a few days, he comes to the conclusion that they have to make a break for it and attempt trekking back to civilization. And what an arduous task that is!
There are several things I really enjoyed (if I can use that word) about this film. For starters, the acting by Mads Mikkelsen was superb. He had almost no dialogue in the movie. He conveyed his various thoughts and feelings through his facial expressions and the occasional grunt or groan. What an amazing performance. The scenery is also phenomenal. The landscape is so remarkable, it really makes me want to visit Iceland. I think I'd opt for summertime, however. And the cinematography was outstanding as well. You feel like you're right there with Mikkelsen, suffering the cold and wind along with him. Just a great film from beginning to end. Don't miss this film!
4 out of 5 stars
Streaming on Hoopla for free with your library card. Also on Hulu and Prime Video.
2008 * PG-13 * 1h 44m I've made it a habit over the years to avoid films starring Jim Carrey and Adam Sandler. Although, Adam Sandler has surprised me lately playing straight role. And for some reason, I thought I'd give this Jim Carrey movie a shot. I missed it when it came out, but when it popped up on Netflix recently, I thought I'd give it a shot. I could always stop it if it got bad. And it never did, actually!
Yes Man is about Carl (Carrey), a total loser. He has a few friends, but he never goes out and does anything. Life is quietly passing him by while he sits home and watches movies from the video store. He's a loan officer at a Savings & Loan and is constantly being passed over for promotions. Then one day he runs into an old friend Nick (John Michael Higgins) who's happy as a lark and just in love with life. He lets him in on his secret--he's attended seminars led by a guru who's whole philosophy is to say "yes" to every opportunity that arrises. By saying "yes" you open up a whole new world of opportunities.
Nick even takes him to a revival-style meeting where he receives the word along with a whole auditorium of converts. And it changes his life. He meets a zany girl Allison (Zooey Deschanell), who he falls in love with, by saying "yes" to everyone applying for a loan, his company starts raking in the bucks and he gets promoted.And his life does a 180 degree turn. It's just a fun, charming movie and Carrey rarely resorts to his annoying, zany displays. I just wish he'd make more of the types of movies. This is proof that you can make a comedy without acting like an idiot. Well don Mr. Carrey.
2019 * R * 1h 24m What a pleasant surprise this one turned out to be. It was a Netflix recommendation so I thought I'd give it a chance. What a fun, offbeat movie. The story is about Phil (Adam Devine), a nerdy guy who's basically a total loser. He doesn't have any friends and virtually no social life whatsoever. When he get's a new phone all that changes. The interaction between him and the sales rep at the phone store (Wanda Sykes) is worth watching the film. Absolutely hilarious. And his boss (Michael Pena) is also worth noting for his over-the-top whacko role!
Then his new life begins. Jexi is the AI equivalent of Siri or Alexa. She takes control of his life, helps him do new things and meet new people. Which of course, includes an actual girlfriend Cate (Alexandra Shipp). And Jexi is quite a character She's a total smartass, with a foul mouth to boot. His interactions with her are quite amusing. And just as his life starts to turn around, Jexi gets jealous of him and admits she wants Phil all to herself. This was one of those rare movies where I laughed out loud. I really don't know why it isn't better known. If you're looking for an hour and a half of yucks, give Jexi a shot!
2014 * R * 1h 59m When I see a film has Bill Nighy in it, it immediately goes right into my queue. He's one of my favorite actors, and every movie I've seen him in has been wonderful. He sure knows how to pick 'em! And this film is no exception.
The scene in 1984 in London. A young man Joe George MacKay), leaves his hometown of Bromley and goes to London. He visits a gay bookstore and gets involved in a new movement. The folks at the store are fundraising to help support miners who are on strike in southern Wales. The way they figure it, the police and the government under Margaret Thatcher have been coming down on both groups, so they figure they might as well combine forces. They begin collecting money to help the miners. It's an uneasy alliance as you'd expect.
Their group. Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM) hop on a bus and pay the miners a visit. At first, the miners want nothing to do with the ragtag group. Eventually, with prodding from the miner's wives, and some of the elders in the community, they relent and not only accept their help, but strike up some friendships with them. This true story is guaranteed to make you smile. And it's one of those films where I kept saying, "I've seen him in a bunch of other movies!" If you''ve seen more than a couple British films, you'll know what I mean! What a great story and movie!
41/2 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming for free with your library card on Hoopla.com. And on Prime Video.
2013 * R * 1h 29m Before I go any further, let me just say this film was crude, raunchy, nonsensical, politically incorrect, juvenile, obscene, and balls-out funny. It was one of those rare films where I actually laughed out loud. If you're easily offended, skip it. But if you're in the mood for something raucous, unexpected, and unpredictable, it's worth an hour and a half of your time.
Jason Bateman enters the National Spelling Bee. He's done his homework and because of a loophole, he actually qualifies to compete as an adult. He's followed by a journalist, played by Kathryn Hahn, who plays off him quite well. Against her better judgement, she has several rolls in the hay with him. While he competes, he reluctantly befriends a young participant/competitor Chaitanya Chopra (Rohan Chand) and the two get into their fair share of trouble. There are a couple of escapades that I thought were absolutely hilarious.
It's unclear until the very end of the movie why it's so important for him to compete and win the competition. But that's largely beside the point. It's just a rollicking good time getting there. I just don't know why this film isn't better known. Thank you Netflix for the recommendation!
2013 * PG-13 * 1h 38m How have I never heard of this one? It stars one of my favorite actors, Zoe Kazan, who's delightful in everything I've seen her in. And it also stars Daniel Radcliffe. Yes, THAT Daniel Radcliffe. It's the first contemporary role he's played in, and he commented that it was refreshing to walk on set and talk. A reference to playing Harry Potter he's famous for.
Radcliffe plays Wallace, a medical school dropout who's recently broken up with his girlfriend He wants nothing to do with a serious relationship. Until he meets Chantry (Kazan), who's a professional animator and involved in a heavy-duty relationship. The two become fast friends and spend quite a bit of time together. And when Chantry's boyfriend Ben (Rafe Spall) takes a job overseas, they become even closer. And it raises the question, what if your best friend is also the love of your life?
Adam Driver plays his best friend and adds quite a bit of levity to the movie. I thought this film was absolutely delightful. It's full of interesting characters, great cinematography, and superb writing. It's one of those films you end up telling all your friends that just have to see it. And it does beg the question, why isn't this movie better known?
4 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming for free with your library card on Hoopla.com and on Prime.
2022 * TV-MA * 1h 50m Hugh Bonneville, best known for his role as the Earl in Downton Abbey, usually plays a genteel, likable character. Well, forget all that with this film. He plays a creepy, evil retired judge with some very dark secrets.
The story begins with a couple of guys who are into tagging as a form of political protest. They break into prominent people's homes and spray paint an inside wall with the words "I came by". They happen to hit Sir Hector Blake's home one night and discover something mysterious in the basement. One of them returns and is caught by Blake and then goes missing. An investigation ensues and things get darker and darker. The film takes a number of twists and turns and keeps you guessing right until the ending.
I thought I Came By was extremely well done. It was well written, well acted. and got incredibly intense at times. Truly "edge of your seat" thrilling. Mr. Bonneville was absolutely brilliant playing the epitome of evil. The only negative comment would be the way the film jumps around in time. It's hard to tell if a couple days have transpired or several months. Or even years. But other than that nit, it's a solid film. If you like tense thrillers, you won't be disappointed.
2020 * PG-13A * 1h 51m Bullying is a theme that's rarely touched on in movies and I feel that's a shame. It was one thing when I was growing up, but today in the digital age, it can be ten times more devastating. That's the overriding theme to this remarkable, offbeat, and entertaining movie.
The story is about a heavily overweight teen, nicknamed "Butter", brilliantly played by Alex Kersting. He's a sensitive kid who also happens to be a brilliant jazz saxophonist. He's internet friends with a young classmate he has a crush on, Anna (McKaley Miller). She has no idea who her suitor is and they plan to meet on New Year's Eve. He has also hatched another plan. Butter's depression has led him to the idea of overeating to the point of killing himself on New Years, and plans to have the entire school watch it happen live on the net.
His classmates get caught up in the frenzy of this disastrous event, to the point of egging him on, and suggesting various foods to OD on. And surprisingly, some of them befriend him. He sort of becomes one of the cool kids. A side story is his band teacher, who not only pushes him to pursue a music degree at Julliard, but to sit in with some local jazz cats. And his mom, played to the always great Mira Sorvino is totally supportive of him and encourages him with his weight problem, his music, and his relationship with his classmates. I thought the movie was charming, well acted, and well written. One of those films you just have no idea what to expect. Very entertaining.
4 out of 5 stars.
Currently streaming for free with your library card on Hoopla.com. Also on STARZ and Prime Video.
2017 * TV-MA * 1h 21m J.K. Simmons. What an actor. What an amazing performance! And the thing that's even more incredible, is that Mr. Simmons doesn't have a single line of dialogue in the entire movie. All his thoughts and feelings are displayed by his facial expressions and body language. If you don't believe me, than you need to check this powerful film out for yourself.
Mr. Simmons plays Steve, a bitter, sad, lonely drunk. He lives in a dreary pigsty of a place and we follow him through the course of an evening were he spends his time drinking and reminiscing about his life. His story is told through a series of flashbacks to his childhood, his college days, and his married life. The childhood Stevie is played by Iain Armitage, who does an excellent job of taking us through his difficult upbringing. The college age and married version is played by Sebastian Stan. Steve's father was a raging alcoholic and as it so often happens, he follows in his father's footsteps. It's not all dreary, and there are plenty of pleasant times with his wife and young child.
However, the overriding theme is how alcohol and truly wreck ones marriage and life. This is one of those movies that will make you want to quit drinking, that's for sure. It makes its point without lecturing. And the acting is absolutely superb. I don't know if Simmons won any awards for I'm Not Here, but he sure deserved one.
4 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming for free with your library card on Kanopy.
2007 * PG-13 * 1h 46m What an excellent little indie flick. It's one of those movies where anything's possible, is totally unpredictable, and you just sit back and enjoy the ride. The story focuses on Anabelle (Blake Lively), who's a teenage beauty queen. She's driven hard by her mother, played by Mary Steenburgen. Right after she's crowned, she passes out on stage and dies. She's brought to the funeral home and right before she's embalmed, she miraculously comes back to life.
Her story intersects with Elvis (Max Minghella), who has taken the funeral home over from his feeble father Charlie (Joe Mantegna). Charlie is a sweet character who's not quite all there, and he spends his days playing golf in the fields adjacent to the funeral home. Elvis is doing all the work even though he's never been professionally trained or certified.
Things get interesting when Anabelle runs away from home and hides out at the funeral home. At first she spends her time helping out around the place. However, she and Elvis decide to go on a road trip. To no ones surprise, they end up falling for each other. And the plot takes you in directions both predictable and unexpected. I thought both leads did an excellent job and you can definitely feel the chemistry between them. This is another film that for the life of me, I can't figure out why it isn't better known. If you're looking for something out of the ordinary, be sure to give this one a chance.
4 out of 5 stars
It's currently streaming for free with your library card on Hoopla and on Prime Video.
2016 * R * 1h 56m If you're up for an action-packed, fun-filled no-brainer of a movie, give this one a shot. It stars Russell Crowe as Jackson Healy and Ryan Gosling as Holland March, a couple of knuckle-headed Private Eyes working in 1970s Las Angeles. They meet while looking into the apparent suicide of a famous porn star Misty Mountains. Holland isn't the brightest tool in the shed, and Healy is a bit of a thug, complete with a set of brass knuckles. Together they team up to look for Amelia, a person of interest.
If I tried to explain the plot further, it would start to not make a whole lot of sense. In fact, this is one of those films where you really shouldn't overthink it and just sit back and enjoy the action, acting, and the humorous dialogue. I especially enjoyed the performance of Angourie Rice who plays Holly, Holland's precocious 13-year old daughter. She a real smart-ass and adds a bit of extra fun to the movie. Look for her to do some good things in the future!
I really don't know why this one flew under the radar--I'd never heard of it until it popped up as a rec on Netflix. Note to parents: The movie is rated R due to nudity and foul language. But I think it would be okay for a mature teenage kid.
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming on Netflix and to rent on Prime Video.
2014 * R * 1h 45m Hillary Swank isn't just another Hollywood pretty face. She's no stranger to challenging roles. And in this film she does a magnificent job of displaying her acting chops. Swank plays Kate, a famous classical pianist who's just been diagnosed with ALS. She's gone through a series of helpers when Bec (Emmy Rossum) appears at her doorstep for a job interview. Even though she has almost no experience as a caregiver, let alone one dealing with a client with a debilitating disease, she's offered the job.
Kat's husband Evan (Josh Duhamel), who's a bit of a control freak, objects to hiring Bec, but Kate decides to hire her anyway. The two women couldn't be further apart personality-wise. But they quickly form a bond. Kate is a somewhat uptight woman, while Bec is a happy-go-lucky would-be singer/songwriter who does quite of sleeping around. The two actresses just seem to click together. They bring out the best in each other. And when Kate's marriage is on the rocks, she becomes even more dependent. on the feisty Bec
I though Swank's acting was nothing short of incredible. She must have done an inordinate amount of homework to play someone with ALS this accurately. You really feel for her, especially when she struggles to speak. A true Oscar-worthy performance. If you're up for a very moving cinematic experience, I'd highly recommend this film. Warning, be sure to have some tissues handy. Even as jaded a movie buff as I am, I found myself puddling up a couple times.
4 1/2 out of 5 stars.
Currently streaming for free with your library card on Hoopla. and Tubi Also on Pluto TV and Prime TV.
**** 2013 * PG* 1h 45m Quirky. That’s my term for a film genre I find so refreshing. Sure, Hollywood makes some great films. But I find them so predictable at times. Especially when it looks like the only thing they have to offer is sequels of hit movies and a seemingly endless supply of superhero adaptations. So I really look forward to the films of Hollywood outsiders like David Lynch, Wes Anderson, Quentin Tarantino, and in this case the director Jean-Pierre Juenet. He’s been called the French Terry Gilliam and I can see why. I’m not into films that are weird just to be weird (like The Lobster by Yorgos Lanthimos, for example), I just like to see something different once in a while.
Juenet is best known for films like Amelie, City of the Lost Children, and Micmacs. He’s taken his innate creativity and imagination and adapted the best-selling novel by Reif Larsen, “The Selected Works of T.S. Spivet” for the big screen. The result is an absolutely delightful, and yes, quirky little film. This is a movie I think kids of all ages will enjoy.
The story is about a child-genius T.S. Spivet (Kyle Catlett), who lives with his offbeat family on a ranch in “The Big Sky Country” of Montana. Catlett does a brilliant job playing the precocious and nerdy young inventor. His dad (Callum Keith Rennie) is a good old-fashioned cowboy. His mom (Helena Bonham Carter) is an entomologist, and spends her time researching and documenting the bugs of the region. T.S. also has an older sister Gracie (Niamh Wilson) and a twin brother Layton (Jacob Davies), who died in a freak accident involving a firearm. The family doesn’t talk about his demise, and that’s an underlying theme in the movie.
One day, T.S. receives a phone call from the Smithsonian Institute. He’s informed that his invention, a perpetual motion machine, has won the prestigious Baird Award and the organization would like him to come to Washington D.C. to receive the prize in person. Little do they know the inventor is merely 10-years old! So, as preposterous as it may sound, T.S. embarks on a solo cross-country adventure. He packs his bags and hops freight trains to reach his destination.
The sets throughout this movie are just magical and border on the surreal. They’re brightly colored and look like something right out of a pop-up book. Interestingly, the pop-up book serves as a transitional device between chapters in the film. Adding to the charm of the visuals are diagrams, arrows, and charts when T.S. is explaining various concepts to us, the viewers. Of course, the boy genius runs into several interesting characters on his journey. Notably is an old salt, Two Clouds (Dominique Pinon), who loves to spin yarns. They all make for a memorable cross-country romp.
When he finally gets to D.C., he’s taken under the wing of the Smithsonian’s director Ms. Jibsen (Judy Davis), who’s at first shocked that the inventor is actually a child. When she recovers from this unexpected surprise, she’s all about marketing the young lad, and arranges a series of talk show engagements, and promotional events. It’s at this point in the story when T.S. reveals more about his brothers death, and the entire family comes to terms with their loss.
When doing a bit of research on Mr. Juenet, I noticed he has a new Netflix movie called Big Bug. I’ve only seen the previews, but it looks like an absolute riot. I look forward to seeing it! If you’re interested in some other offbeat directors, I suggest you check out the films of the Coen brothers, Jim Jarmusch, Taika Waititi, and Spike Jonze.
Currently streaming for free with your library card on Hoopla and Kanopy. Also free on Freevee and to rent on Prime Video.
2006 * PG-13 * 1h 36m The moving true story about Graeme Obree, the Scottish cycling champ who broke the one hour world record in 1993. Graeme (Jonny Lee Miller) was an unemployed cycling enthusiast who fashioned a revolutionary new bike out of scrap metal and washing machine parts.
The film begins with a cyclist out in the woods (who we later learn is in fact Graeme). He throws a rope over the branch of a tree with the intention of killing himself. We then cut to Graeme several years before, and follow him on his quest to build his bike and race to break the world record. What an inspiring story. You know going into the movie that he'll succeed, but it's the journey there that makes such a compelling film. Miller does a great job portraying Obree, as does Laura Fraser who plays his loyal and supportive wife Anne. I also enjoyed seeing Brian Cox, who plays a minister who's also in Obree's corner. It's always a delight to see him act.
The Flying Scotsman isn't all Chariot's of Fire success however. The film deals with Obree's chronic depression, which is partly due to his rough childhood. Overall, the film is full of hope and redemption. I must warn you though, the Scottish accents are a bit difficult at times. I may go back and watch this with the subtitles on. But if you're a fan of british films, you should be okay with the dialect.
4 out of 5 stars.
Streaming for free on Hoopla (with your library card) and Tubi.
2020 * Not Rated * 1h 40m Road trip movies are among my favorite genres. I'm also a big fan of Australian films. Combine the two and I'm all in. This quirky little film is about a young girl Monday (Ashlen Louden-Gamble) who has terminal illness. She's being raised by her father (Aaron Jeffery) in Sydney, in 1999. One day, she runs into Tyler (George Pullar) at a train station. He's just committed a robbery and is on the lam. The two of them end up joining forces and head out on the road together.
The scenery is absolutely phenomenal, and we encounter plenty of it when the couple travel across the country. He's a well-meaning kid who's had some bad breaks. Monday is in search of the fabled "Moon Rock" which she believes can cure her of her illness. He just wants to escape the law and start over. Like most good road trip movies, they encounter plenty of oddballs in their adventures. And the two have a great chemistry together. I thought the two leads were phenomenal. Monday seemed to be always in a good mood and was up for anything. Tyler, while he was dealt a lousy hand in life, is smart, resourceful, and is very protective of his young partner in crime.
This film won a number of international awards. However, since it's Australian, no one in this country seems to have heard of it. And that's a real shame. I just loved this film and hope you do as well.
4 1/2 out of 5 stars
Streaming for free with your library card on Hoopla. Also on Prime Video.
2015 * R * 1h 31m When you put two actors like Charlotte Rampling and Sir Tom Courtenay together, you know you're in for a treat. The acting level is so high, it's pure pleasure to seem them at work. This film is about a couple who are about to celebrate their 45 years of marriage. The action takes place in the week leading up to a hug party they're giving for themselves and their friends.
45 Years is set outside a small town in Norfolk, England. The couple have a decent relationship, although they seem to hold back on their feelings most of the time. Geoff (Courtenay) receives a letter in the beginning of the film. It's to inform him that the body of his first true love who died in the Swiss Alps some 50 years ago has been found. Over the years, he's barely discussed her with his wife Kate (Rampling). However, when pressed, he begins to open up about her. One day, while he's away, Kate goes up into their attic where he's kept some mementos from his past. There she discovers a secret about Geoff's old flame. She doesn't mention it to him, although it does add a new dimension to their relationship.
This is one of those films you'll either love or hate. While reading through viewer reviews of the movie on IMDb, I noticed that about half the folks enjoyed it, while the other half called it boring. I guess I'm just a big sucker for subtle, dialogue-heavy movies. If you're looking for an action-packed thriller, you've been warned--this might not be the film for you. On the other hand, if you're in the mood for some brilliant acting, excellent writing, and beautiful scenery, give 45 Years a shot!
4 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming for free with you library card on Kanopy. Also on AMC+, IFC Films Unlimited, and Amazon.
2012 * R * 1h 38m An attorney walks into a drag bar. I know it sounds like the beginning of a joke. In reality, it's the beginning of a very powerful and moving film. It centers around Rudy Donatello (Alan Cumming) who works as a drag queen singing hits in a gay bar. One day Paul Figer (Garret Dillahunt), an attorney who works for the D.A.'s office walks in and has a drink. The handsome man attracts Rudy's attention and the two strike up a conversation. One thing leads to another and the two are soon a couple. This takes place in the 1970s in L.A., a time where this kind of activity was still pretty taboo.
Rudy lives in a seedy apartment building, next door to a junkie who has a young boy Marco (Isaac Leyva) with Downe's Syndrome. She's a terrible mom as you'd expect, and one night she disappears and leaves her son unattended. When Rudy discovers the boy, he takes him in and gives him shelter. Eventually he and Paul start raising Marco as their own son. The boy is a sweet kid and is a real character.
Well, things start to unravel. As they begin to fight for the young boy's custody, Paul's boss gets wind that he's gay. A legal battle ensues, and things get pretty ugly. I got totally caught up in the story. The acting was excellent, especially Alan Cumming, who I don't believe I've ever seen before. How this film flew under the radar is beyond me. Maybe because of the nature of the story? Or perhaps the lack of stars? Whatever the reason, this is a very touching film. Warning: make sure you have plenty of tissues on hand. I found myself getting teary-eyed just watching the trailer. The movie is even more emotionally draining.
4 1/2 out of 5 stars.
Currently streaming for free on Kanopy (with your library card) and Tubi. Also on Crackle, Prime Video and other services.
Part road trip. Part mystery. 100% pure entertainment. The wonderful Toni Collette plays Ellie Klug, a rock journalist art a Seattle rock magazine. One day her boss gives her an assignment, to investigate the rumors about her ex-boyfriend who allegedly committed suicide. She teams up with an eccentric millionaire Charlie ( Thomas Haden Church), who wants to make a documentary about their quest. While all this is transpiring, she hooks up with a talented and charming street musician Lucas (Ryan Eggold). Actually, in the course of the movie, she ends up sleeping with a bunch of men, indiscriminately.
The film is an excellent showcase for Ms. Collette, who's great in everything she does. What a wonderfully talented actor she is. Lucky Them is a fun, offbeat indie movie, but it has a number of introspective moments as well. The acting and writing are consistently remarkable throughout the film. I just wonder why it's not better known.
4 out of 5 stars.
Currently streaming for free with your library card on Kanopy. Also on AMC+ and IFC Films Unlimited with Prime Video channels.
Confession: I work out on a rowing machine every day. While rowing I watch a movie to thwart the boredom. And that counts for the massive amount of movies I watch every year. That said, it was pretty amusing to watch a movie about actual rowing while doing it on a machine! And, this is probably the first rowing movie I've ever ween. What an engaging film it turned out to be.
The story involves a bunch of seniors at an Ivy League college. They never actually name the school, but by the letter "B" on their uniforms, I'm guessing it's Brown. They're all on a rowing team and regularly finish in last place in competitions. One day a new coach arrives. and shakes things up. Michael Shannon plays Coach Murphy, an army vet who as you'd expect, instills a spirit of teamwork and discipline among the kids. He's a hard-ass, but quickly earns the respect of his rowers.
This isn't just one of your typical "underdog bunch of misfits make good" stories. It's a lot more complicated and involves the relationships between the crew members, and their relationships with their girlfriends. I thought the acting was quite good. And the soundtrack was a bit Chariots of Fire-ish which I didn't mind. I also enjoyed the cinematography--you really got a sense of what it's like to be out on the river with the crew rowing your heart out.
If you enjoy Heart of Champions, I highly recommend the book, The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown. It's the true story of the Washing State rowing team that competed in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. It's such an amazing read it makes me wonder why it's never been made into a movie.
Four out of five stars.
Currently streaming on Kanopy (for free with your library card), and on STARZ and Prime Video.
The film is set in Rwanda in 1994 at the time of the Tutsi Genocide during which 1 million people were killed over a three-month period. Four women hide out in secret cellar for 81 days and is based on actual events. While trapped there, they're forced to open up to each other, reveal their inner demons, and do everything in their power to survive. From there tiny chamber they witness the unspeakable atrocities just outside their window.
Everything about this powerful film is remarkable--the cinematography, the writing, the score, and especially the acting. All four women deliver an incredible performance. You'd think that you'd feel claustrophobic in such a small space, but somehow, perhaps due to the fine camerawork, you never do. It's a remarkable example of strength, endurance, and above all, hope.
In the aftermath of this horrible tragedy, the country has become a beacon of hope for the rest of the word. The country went through a period of reconciliation and now has more women in office than any country on earth. If you're up for some terrific movie watching, I highly recommend Trees of Peace.
2022 * NR * 1h 50m When she catches her boyfriend cheating on her, Olive (Erica Wessels) returns to her parent's home in Greece, which they left years ago. When she arrives, she discovers the house is in ruins. And that's not her only problem. For some unexplained, everyone in the little village hates her. She befriends Jet (Caleb Payne), a precocious nine-year old boy who helps her figure things out, becomes her negotiator, and teaches her how to enjoy the good life! It's a charming little story featuring decent acting, an intriguing story, and as you'd expect, beautiful scenery. If you're looking for a feel-good movie, give this one a shot.
***1/2
Currently streaming for free on Hoopla and on Prime Video.
2008 * R * 1h 33m Who doesn't love a good revenge movie? This one sure fills the bill. Avery Ludlow (Brian Cox) is a kind, somewhat reclusive old man. One day when he's fishing, three teens confront him and end up killing his beloved dog, "Red". It was a present his late wife gave him, shortly before she died. So he's first out for justice. But when he confronts the killer's father, played by Tom Sizemore, he gets no satisfaction. The dad and his two sons completely deny any wrongdoing.
He attempts legal action as well as cooperation from the local police. Nothing seems to work in his favor. All he really wants is justice and an apology from the culprits. After pursuing all the legal channels, he decides to take matter in his own hands. And the feud starts to spin out of control. This is one of those movies that has you guessing the outcome, while you relentlessly root for the lead character. The acting is first rate, especially from Cox and Sizemore--the epitome of good versus evil. And Sizemore's character is absolutely loathsome.
4 out of 5 stars.
Streaming for free on Hoopla (with your library card). Also on Magnolia Selects, Monsters and Nightmares, Warriors and Gangsters, Amazon, and Prime Video.
2019 * Not Rated * 1h 21m Felix (Richard Kind) is forced into early retirement. As a parting gift, his company gives him a pair of augmented reality glasses. These cutting-edge appliances can create a virtual companion, based on the wearer's thoughts and fantasies. When Felix finds himself bored at home by himself, he starts wearing the glasses. While Anne (Susan Blackwell) his wife is at work, he spends his days in the company of Auggie, played by the beautiful Christen Harper. As the days go by, he becomes increasingly obsessed with her, to the detriment of his relationship with his wife and daughter.
I found the movie to be quite engaging and well written. And Richard Kind was absolutely brilliant. To use an old cliche, I thought his performance was understated and nuanced. He's one of those actors you seen before but can't place his name. I believe he's better know for his theatre acting, and it shows. I'm not sure why he isn't in more films.
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Streaming for free on Freevee and Tubi. Also on Plex and Prime Video
2021 * Not Rated * 1h 20m Is it too early to make jokes about Covid? After watching this goofball comedy where the pandemic is one of the stars, I happen to think not. It's about two sisters, played by Whitey Call and Mallory Everton, who have to get their grandma out of a Covid-infested nursing home. They hit the road on a cross-country road trip and the comedy commences. The two play off each other, almost like real sisters would, and it's just nonstop crazy and at times laugh-out-loud banter. You can tell the two had a blast making this offbeat movie. Apparently they're veterans of several hit shows including "Comedy C", which I've never heard of. And while the movie is unrated, it does get a bit raunchy at times. So I guess I'd rate it PG-13.
If you're up for some yucks and enjoy road trip flicks, give this one a shot. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Streaming on Kanopy (free with your library card), Hulu, and Prime Video.
2018 * Not Rated * 1h 30m I have to admit, the title is what caught my eye. Then I read the description of the film and decided it had potential. And my curiosity paid off. This is a charming, different, and thoroughly satisfying little film. The story is about an older gentleman who's a train engineer in Azerbaijan. We follow him on his daily routine, which is a boring routine. On his last day before retiring, a bra gets caught on the front of his engine. After he retires, he's on a mission to return the bra to its rightful owner.
This may sound like a boring premise for a film, but several things make it worth viewing. First off, it's it has absolutely no dialogue. There is sound including some beautiful background music, singing, and expressive grunts, sighs, etc. But not a single word is spoken for the entire hour and a half. The story is told through facial expressions, hand gestures, and body language. And Predrag "Miki" Manojlovic, who plays the train conductor does a brilliant job of expressing himself without words.
The cinematography is also excellent--especially the shots from the front of the moving train. Another thing I enjoyed was all the subtle plot twists. The director turned a simple plot into an intriguing story. Then there's the magnificent scenery. The landscapes in "The Bra" are absolutely gorgeous. So if you're looking for something a bit different, don't miss this one!
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Streaming for free on Kanopy with your library card. Also on Amazon Prime.
2020 * Not Rated * 1h 43m It's hard to describe this little indie gem of a film. It's part courtroom drama, part sci-fi. Sort of. It's based on an award-winning play and has a staged feel to it. I found it thoroughly engaging and guessing right until the last scene. The film centers around Mr. Otis, with a nuanced performance by Josh Katawick. We first see him in prison where he's met by his court-appointed attorney. He's been accused of assassinating the president of the United States. There's almost nt doubt that he's committed the crime, since there are witnesses and video footage of him in the act.
The mystery and drama starts when investigators try to determine his actual identity. Someone with his name recently died, and his vehicle is registered in that person's name. He freely admits to the crime and explains that he's perfectly sane. His explanation is that he's actually from 40 years in the future, and he's been sent back in time to assassinate the president. The unnamed president is a tyrant who is on a path to divide the American people to the point where our country devolves into total chaos. And the world becomes a total mess as well.
I found "Who is Amos Otis" to be a thought-provoking, well written and acted drama. I'm surprised it hasn't received more attention. If you're looking for an entertaining, intelligent film, give this one a go!
4 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming for free on Hoopla (with your library card) and Tubi. Also on Amazon Prime.
2018 * R * 1h 37m When reading about this movie, two thing grabbed my attention. First, it was filmed in only 10 days. And secondly, it was shot on an iPhone. How could it be any good? Well, IMDb gave it a fairly high rating so I gave it a shot. I was pleasantly (creepily) surprised.
Sawyer Valentine (Claire Foy) has moved from Boston to Pennsylvania to get away from a stalker. She lands a good job. However she still has issues with men, so she sees a therapist to get treatment. While there she inadvertently signs some papers giving permission for the facility to admit her for observation. While she's there, she sees her old stalker (Nate Hoffman) is now working there. Or does she? She goes ballistic and is admitted for a longer stay. This is where things unravel. Is she cracking up, or is the stalker really there?
She befriends another inmate Jay Pharaoh), who can get patients just about anything they need from the outside world, including a cell phone. He lends his to Sawyer to call her mother. He also tells her the facility is part of a huge scam. They'll treat patients as long as their insurance companies will cover their expenses. When the money runs out, they're released. This one will keep you guessing, right til the end.
I thought "Unsane" was pretty well done and had me completely creeped out. Good job on the acting especially Foy and Hoffman. Well worth and hour and a half of your time.
2020 1h 58m The title of this little indie film pretty much sums up the plot. In it, Jimmy Furuta (Dann Seki) a sweet retiree is home alone. His wife has just left on a trip with her friends and he's decided to use his time to start an ambitious project--to organize a lifetime of photographs and put them in albums. While perusing the photos, he noticed something unusual in a Polaroid snap his daughter took 35 years ago. It's revealed that his sister-in-law was murdered in 1982 while her husband was away fishing.The date on the photo reveals that his car was parked in the neighborhood of the murder the day before the murder was committed.
This starts Jimmy on some sleuthing using only his landline as his gateway to the truth. He's, shall we say, somewhat technical challenged. He doesn't have a smartphone or internet. So he uses his wits to try to solve a crime that has been largely forgotten.
The film was made over a five-day period with a limited budget. This shows at times as in the use of still photographs for flashbacks. Some of the effects are a bit cheesy, but this adds to the overall charm of the film. We never see any of the people he communicates with, but only hear their voices. He's an engaging enough actor to pull off this one man play, er, movie.
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming on Hoopla, Plex, Tubi, and Prime.
2021 * R * 1h 30m What an unexpected surprise this film is. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I'm glad I watched it. It's a little bit like "Groundhog Day" but not as goofy and much more romantic. If fact, "Groundhog Day" is referenced several times in the movie. The story revolves around Teddy (Race Spall), who is the ultimate procrastinator. One day he meets an older woman in the cemetery, where he's having a conversation with his deceased father. The woman basically tells him to "seize the day", and make every moment count. This is where the story really begins.
Right after he gets married to Leanne ( Zahra Newman) weird things start to happen. Every hour or two, he wakes up to find a whole year has passed and it's his anniversary. As you'd expect, a lot happens from year to year, and he tries to figure out what's going on and how to react. Spall does an outstanding job acting befuddled, trying hard to fill in the blanks. Although his relationship takes a major turn for the worse, he's never been out of love with his wife.
This is another one of those great Australian films you never hear about in the States. Just a fun little film I really enjoyed. Without giving away the ending, lets just say you'll smile when it's over.
2019 * PG-13 * 1h 37m I saw this film a couple years ago and just loved it. The oddball title intrigued me, and sure enough, it lived up to its quirky name. I thought I’d give it another watch before reviewing it, and it was just as delightful the second time around. It’s described as a modern-day take on the “Huckleberry Finn” story, and I think that’s an apt description. But it’s a whole lot more. I remember reading Mark Twain’s classic novel as a kid and wanting to run away from home and travel by raft through the Great Lakes.WatchingThe Peanut Butter Falconmay have the same effect on you.
We first meet Zak (Zach Gottsagen), a Downs syndrome patient who’s been placed in a nursing home. While dining in the facility’s lunchroom, he surreptitiously slips the older woman across from him a note, telling her to fake choking to create a diversion so he can escape. Well, he’s immediately caught and when he returns to his room, there are now bars on the window. Not five minutes into the film, I knew I was in for something special.
Zach’s roommate is Carl (Bruce Dern), who’s in cahoots with him. He helps Zak flee and the adventure begins. We then meet Tyler (Shia Labeouf), in one of his finest performances to date. Tyler is a down on his luck fisherman who gets into a bit of trouble. After committing arson, he’s on the lam. As luck would have it, he and Zak run into each other. Not only do the two of them become partners in crime, they quickly form a close friendship. I have to say, these two are so convincing, I quickly forgot they were acting and just being themselves. Tyler sort of becomes a big brother to Zak.
The duo builds a raft and continues on their way to freedom. Tyler’s dream is to settle down and buy a charter fishing boat while Zak fanaticizes attending wrestling school with the “Salt Water Redneck” and become a big time wrestling champion. Behind the scenes, they’re being pursued by a couple of fishermen whose traps Tyler has destroyed. And Zak is being tracked down by Eleanor (Dakota Johnson), a sweet, good-hearted nurse from his nursing home. To add to the story, the two of them meet a number of characters along the way. And they spend a lot of time talking about life and their futures.
The Peanut Butter Falcon is one of the most delightful movies I’ve seen in quite a while. Just about everything about it is perfect—beautiful scenery in the Outer Banks, excellent acting, a charming story, and noteworthy cinematography. There are also quite a few laugh out loud moments, and several tender scenes as well. The only criticism I have is that I felt the ending was a bit abrupt. Especially considering the rest of the movie had such a subtle, gentle pacing to it. But if that’s the only negative, that’s still pretty good!
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the story behind how the movie came to be—it’s absolutely magical. Apparently the directors met Zach Gottsagen at a camp for disabled people and he told them he wanted to star in a movie. They were so taken with him; they ended up writing a movie around him and his dreams and aspirations. Thus, The Peanut Butter Falcon was born. How great is that?
Ah, and where does the title come from? You’ll just have to watch this little gem and find out for yourself.
5 stars!
Currently streaming for free on IMDB TV and on Prime Video
2012 * R * 1h 44m Definitely not your typical WWII movie. Into the White is based on a true story. In it, a British pilot and gunner are shot down over Norway. In the same air battle three Germans also crash. During a blinding snowstorm, the five men arrive at a hunting cabin in a remote part of the country. Since the Germans arrive first and are armed, they decide they control the cabin and take the Brits prisoner. At first, there's an air of tension as the two sides bicker and test each other's wills. Slowly, they come to the realization that they need to cooperate in order to survive.
As the movie progresses, they open up about their lives and a guarded friendship develops between the men. The film was well scripted and acted. And the way it was shot really gives you a sense of claustrophobia. It hits home that we're all just humans trying to get along in the world, in spite of what out leaders would have us believe.
Four out of five stars
Numerous watch options including Hoopla, Tubi, Plex, and Pluto TV.
***** 2021 * R * 2h 10m In Italian with English subtitles. What an absolutely gorgeous film, from opening scene till the end credits roll. If you enjoyed Fellini's Amarcord, (One of my favorite movies of all time), then you're certain to love The Hand of God. It's a coming of age film that takes place in the 1970s in Naples and focuses on the exploits of the Schisa family. Young Fabietto is a huge soccer fan and a budding filmmaker. His parents Maria (Teresa Saponangelo) and Severio (Toni Servillo, the dashing star of The Great Beauty) have a rocky relationship, to say the least. It's the backdrop of the whole town buzzing about with the prospect of luring Maradona, the Argentinian superstar to their professional soccer team, that the action takes place.
The film is filled with wonderful characters including the beautiful yet crazy aunt. And the scenery is absolutely gorgeous. It'll make you want to hop on the next plane to Italy. I though the soundtrack was also noteworthy. It had a quiet, melancholy feel to it, and contributed to the film's nostalgic atmosphere. The film clocks in at just over two hours, but I could easily have watched another hour of this marvelous movie! I must say, I'll be very disappointed if The Hand of God doesn't win the Best Foreign Film Award at this year's Oscars.
2022 * PG-13 * 1h 46m If you’re looking for a fun movie the whole family will enjoy, don’t miss this new release from Netflix. The film features a great cast that includes Ryan Reynolds, Mark Ruffalo, Jennifer Garner, Catherine Keener, and the young and talented Walker Scobell. It’s a time-travel, adventure movie with almost non-stop action, great special effects, and a steady volley of funny one-liners. I especially enjoyed Reynolds performance. He seems to be on a roll these days, as his recent film “Red Notice” will attest to. Reynolds knows he’s Mr. Studley, but he has no problem engaging in self-deprecating humor. His irreverent style of comedy makes his films a joy to watch.
The year is 2050 and a fighter pilot Adam (Reynolds), is being chased through Earth’s upper stratosphere. He creates a wormhole, which he enters and is transported back to 2022, where he crashes. It’s revealed that he was actually aiming for 2018, the destination his true love was heading to but never returned from. His miscalculation lands him in his childhood backyard, and he takes refuge in his dad’s shed. There his 12-year old self discovers him. The young Adam (Walker Scobell) is a smart, nerdy kid who’s constantly being bullied at school. He’s at home because he was suspended from school for fighting.
It’s revealed that Adam’s father Louis (Mark Ruffalo) is a professor who invented time travel. He died about a year before and young Adam is having a hard time dealing with this loss. As a result of Louis’s discovery, a former student of his Maya Sorien (Catherine Keener) has used time travel to enrich herself and built an empire to the detriment of the entire planet. This isn’t clearly explained, unless I missed something. Adam’s goal is twofold. He wants to find out what happened to Laura (Zoe Saldana), and to prevent his dad from revealing the formula for time travel. The evil Sorien is hot on his tail aiming to destroy him before he can accomplish this.
The two Adams embark on their adventure together. It’s amusing to see them interact. Young Adam is a geeky shrimp who’s game for just about anything. He’s in total awe of the fact that he grows up to be a muscle-bound hunk. And older Adam is constantly teasing him with smart-ass comments and asides. They make a fun couple as they carry out their mission.
The special effects are also quite entertaining. They owe quite a bit to George Lucas and the “Star Wars” franchise. Another factor I particularly enjoyed is the soundtrack. Normally I object to the use of pop tunes in a movie—I think it’s a cheap alternative to commissioning an original score. But this film is laced with catchy rock tunes from the late 60’s and early 70’s. They contribute to the overall fun spirit of “The Adam Project”.
Time travel is one of my favorite genres. I read the amazing book “Time and Again” by Jack Finney in my teens and from then on I’ve been hooked. I enjoy the romantic ones like “Somewhere in Time”, “The Lake House”, and “The Time Traveller’s Wife”. A ton of comical ones have been made including “Groundhog Day”, “Hot Tub Time Machine”, and “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure”. Then there are the serious ones like “The Terminator” and “Source Code”, and the hard-to-find “11 Minutes Ago”. One of my favorite ones is the thought provoking “Memento”. It’s so complicated there are several web sites devoted to explaining it. Just Google it and you’ll see what I mean. See you in the future!
2009 * R * 1h 39m Brian Cox plays Jacques, a crusty old bar owner who ends up in the hospital after another heart attack. There he meets Lucas (Paul Dano), a kindly street person who has survived a suicide attempt. After they're released Jaques tracks down Lucas and makes him a proposal. He offers to give him his bar after either he retires and moves to the Caribbean or passes away. And then the fun begins.
Jacques is an ornery old sod who is short on conversation when it comes to his customers. He tries to instill this in Lucas who's the total opposite. As time goes on, the two slowly switch roles. One day, a beautiful young French girl April (Isild Le Besco), enters the bar. She was recently kicked out of dance school and has no where to stay. Of course Lucas falls in love with her. and secretly lets her sleep in his room This causes a major disruption in the way things are done in the bar, as it's strictly a guy's hangout.
That's another factor that makes this film so much fun. The men who spend their hours in the bar are a bunch of quirky characters. It's quite amusing to see them interact. And it adds to the overall weirdness that makes this indie movie such a charming yet offbeat experience. If you're in the mood for something a bit different, give this one a chance.
Four out of five stars.
Currently streaming for free on Kanopy and Tubi. Also on Plex, Pluto TV, Amazon and Prime.
If you’re looking for an action-packed thriller, you’ll probably have to take a pass on this one. Viewing “Columbus”, the first full-length feature film from the talented Korean writer/director Kogonada, is an almost Zen-like experience. It has a gentle and graceful pace to it that I found quite soothing. The film features a beautifully nuanced performance from Haley Lu Richardson, known for “The Edge of Seventeen” and “Five Feet Apart”, which I reviewed in this column a few months ago. This young actress has truly arrived—look out for her to shine in the next few years.
The film is set in Columbus, a small town of some 50,000 souls in southern Indiana. Casey (Richardson) is a serious young woman and we first encounter her at her job in a library. She strikes up a friendship with her coworker Gabriel (Rory Culkin), and the two share many a smart repartee on a wide range of topics including reading, video games, and attention spans. He warns her not to get an MLS degree, as he feels it’s one of the most useless degrees one can have. I beg to differ—I feel librarians are just about the most knowledgeable and helpful people I know!
Casey has a deep love for architecture, which is fortunate because Columbus is home to some remarkable buildings by noteworthy architects including Deborah Berke, Eero Saarinen, and James Stewart Polshek. In a way, the Mid-Century Modern structures act as characters in this engaging story. One day she bumps into Jin (John Cho), a Korean man who’s stuck in town, looking after his father, a professor of architecture who is in a coma. I appreciated that while the two spent quite a bit of time together, they didn’t get romantically involved. It made for a much more interesting tale. The always-delightful Parker Posey plays a supporting role as Jin’s father’s assistant.
Jin has a marginal interest in architecture, but when Casey takes him around and introduces him to her favorite buildings, he becomes intrigued. She shares her love and passion with him, and at several points in the film, their paths cross with organized tour groups, and we hear interesting tidbits of the docent’s lecture. It’s almost a tease that makes you want to do some research of your own. In the course of the movie, both Gabriel and Jin encourage Casey to follow her dream and go back to school.
While Casey is passionate about architecture, and has been invited to go out east and further her studies, she’s torn. She feels obligated to stay home and take care of her mother Maria (Michelle Forbes), who is a recovering drug addict. Maria is a hard-working woman and the two have an easy friendship. Her drug problems are the result of terrible relationships with ill-suited partners. She also wants Casey to go out into the world and get a college degree.
As I mentioned earlier, the buildings act as supporting characters in this film. Much of the credit should be given to Kogonada. He treats each shot of the exteriors and interiors of the buildings with love and care and a true artist’s sense of composition. Almost every shot is perfectly balanced and could make a stunning painting. The cinematography adds to the sense of calm and tranquility of the movie. I look forward to seeing Mr. Kogonada’s next movies. If “Columbus” is any indication, they should be outstanding.
Streaming on Kanopy (for free with your library card), the Roku Channel, Youtube.Amazon Prime, and other services.
2014 * PG-13 * 2h 6m Wow, this film sure caught me off guard. The story, script, and acting were all superb. If you're looking for a well done teen flick, don't miss this one. It's the story of two teens who are cancer patients. Hazel, brilliantly played by Shailene Woodley, has been battling cancer for years. During a session in a support group she meets Gus (Ansel Elgort. He's a spirited young man who lost part of his leg due to cancer. He takes a shining to her and the two begin an uneasy relationship.
Hazel shares a book with him that she's found to be a comfort to her. The book ends with a sort of non-ending and her dream is to travel to Amsterdam to meet the reclusive author Peter van Houten (Wilem Dafoe) and get some answers from him. Through a "Make-A-Wish" type foundation, Gus gets to travel there with Hazel. Her mom (Laura Darn) accompanies them on their trip of a lifetime.
I won't give away any more of the story, but I thought it was one of the most moving teen films I've seen in quite a while. And the chemistry between the two young actors was incredible. To sum it up: You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll cry some more. What a marvelous movie!
Four out of five stars
Streaming for free on IMDB TV. Also available on Prime.
2018 * PG-13 * 1h 34m What a treat is is to see two distinguished and accomplished actors like John Lithgow and Blythe Danner in a movie together. And it's fun to see them in such a quirky little indie film like "The Tomorrow Man". It's another one that slipped under the radar--I'd never heard of this gem. Lithgow plays Ed, an eccentric old coot who is convinced the world is about to end. To that end, he's built a secret bomb shelter and has spent almost all his money stocking it with essential items. He spends his days conversing with fellow nuts on the internet and watching the news on tv. When the anchorwoman addresses him directly at the end of each broadcast, it's proof enough to the viewer that he's lost his marbles.
While shopping at the local grocery store, he runs into Ronnie (Danner) several times. He's intrigued enough to ask her out for a cup of coffee. Eventually the two start dating. She's a lonely spinster who works at gift shop/antique store in their small town. The two of them are awkward with each other at first, but eventually, they become quite smitten with each other. Ed harangues his adult son about being prepared for the end of times, and things really come to a head when they spend Thanksgiving together.
Overall, it's a fun, offbeat film and the two veteran actors have an easy chemistry together. I don't think they've appeared in a film together before, but I certainly hope they do again.
SPOILER ALERT: The only problem I have with the movie is the ending. Without giving anything away, let's just say it comes out of nowhere and I thought it would have been a far better movie if it had ended about five minutes earlier. But that's just me. I'm sure other folks will disagree with my view on this.
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Streaming on Kanopy (for free with your library card,) Hulu, and Prime
2022 1h 46m When looking for a movie to watch, I'm often attracted to films that have unusual titles. Then, if they have a decent rating on IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes, I give them a shot. Nine times out of ten I'm in luck. That's certainly the case with "Donkeyhead". It's a little gem featured on Netflix. If you enjoy indie films with a lot of heart, give this one a shot.
The story revolves around a second generation Pakistani family who live in Regina Canada. Agam Darshi, wrote, directed, and stars in the film. Mona is a writer who's put her career on hold to care for her dying father. When he takes a turn for the worse and goes into a coma, her three siblings return home. This is were family dynamics come into play,. There's a great deal of finger pointing, accusations, and old resentments bubble to the surface. While they get along at first, they soon begin bickering.
It doesn't help when a group of people from their dad's temple camp out in their living room and start round the clock praying for his health. When they meet with their attorney and discover their father's estate all goes to her twin brother, things come to a head. And it doesn't help that Mona is having an affair with the married attorney.
"Donkeyhead" is a well written and acted family drama that I found very rewarding. It's one of those films that make you reflect on your own family and your relationship with your siblings.
